No Win, No Fee
What This Means for You
If you choose to be represented by one of the solicitors we work with, they will act on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means:
If your claim is not successful
You won't pay the solicitor anything.
If your claim is successful
The solicitor will deduct a success fee from the compensation you receive. This fee is normally between 18% and 36% (including VAT), depending on the amount of redress offered by your lender.
Before you agree to proceed, the solicitor will send you their Terms and Conditions, which clearly explain their fees, how the No Win, No Fee arrangement works, and what may be deducted from your compensation. You should read these documents carefully before deciding whether to go ahead.
Cooling-off period: You will always have a 14-day cooling-off period, during which you can cancel without any charge. After the 14-day period, the solicitor may apply a cancellation fee — this will be explained in their Terms and Conditions.
Success Fee Bands (Typical Examples)
These fee bands are provided to help you understand how a success fee is calculated. The solicitor will confirm the exact fee applicable in your case.
| Compensation Amount | Success Fee % (excluding VAT) | Example Maximum Fee including VAT |
|---|---|---|
| £1 – £1,499 | 30% | £540 |
| £1,500 – £9,999 | 28% | £3,360 |
These bands cover the most common claim values, but your solicitor will explain your specific position.
How a No Win, No Fee Arrangement Works
If your claim goes ahead, your solicitor may arrange After The Event (ATE) insurance. This protects you against certain legal costs if the claim is unsuccessful. If the claim succeeds, the cost of this insurance is usually taken from the compensation awarded to you.
If your claim is successful, typical deductions may include:
- The solicitor's success fee
- Any shortfall in legal costs not recoverable from the lender
- The ATE insurance premium, if required
The remainder will be paid to you. You will never pay anything upfront, and there are no hidden charges.
Your solicitor will explain all potential deductions clearly before you decide whether to proceed.
Eligibility for No Win, No Fee Representation
Your solicitor can only act on a No Win, No Fee basis if:
- Your claim has a reasonable prospect of success (typically 50% or higher)
- Suitable legal protection insurance is in place (or your existing policy provides cover)
- You meet the criteria set out in the solicitor's Terms and Conditions
- You comply with the insurance policy requirements throughout the claim
If No Win, No Fee terms are not suitable for your case, the solicitor will explain why and outline any alternatives available.
Important Reminder
You do not have to use a solicitor or a claims management company to make a complaint. You can submit the complaint yourself, for free, directly to your lender or the Financial Ombudsman Service.
